Q701. Which chromosome was the last to be completely sequenced in the Human Genome Project (completed in 2006)?
Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 701–710 of 1113 questions
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Q702. In the context of the Human Genome Project, what does SNP stand for?
Explanation
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. It is the most common type of genetic variation in humans. For example, at a specific location, some individuals may have the base Cytosine, while others have Thymine. SNPs occur throughout the genome and are used as molecular markers to track inheritance and disease.
Q703. The branch of science that evolved alongside the Human Genome Project for storing, retrieving, and analyzing massive biological data is called:
Explanation
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that developed out of the necessity to handle the massive amounts of data produced by the Human Genome Project. It combines biology, computer science, and statistics to develop tools for storing, retrieving, and analyzing complex biological information. This field is now essential for modern genomics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, allowing researchers to analyze large-scale genetic datasets.
Q704. Identify the incorrect statement regarding human genome characteristics.
Explanation
Contrary to what might be expected, the function of more than 50% of the genes discovered during the Human Genome Project was unknown at the time of the projects completion. The other statements are correct: Chromosome 1 has the most genes, the Y chromosome has the fewest, and humans are over 99.9% genetically identical at the nucleotide level across all diverse populations.
Q705. Repeated sequences make up a large portion of the human genome. What is their primary role?
Explanation
Repetitive sequences, which do not code for proteins, make up a very large portion of the human genome. While they were once dismissed as junk DNA, research has shown that they play critical roles in maintaining chromosome structure, dynamics, and stability. They provide essential information for chromosome folding and organization within the nucleus and may also be involved in regulating gene expression.
Q706. CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary technology primarily used for:
Explanation
CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary tool that allows scientists to make highly specific and precise changes to the DNA of living organisms. Often described as molecular scissors, it can be programmed to find a specific genetic sequence and cut it, allowing for genes to be removed or new sequences to be added. This technology has transformed genetic research and offers potential future cures.
Q707. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): CRISPR-Cas9 was originally discovered as an adaptive immune system in bacteria.
Reason (R): Bacteria use CRISPR-Cas9 to remember and cut the DNA of invading viruses (bacteriophages).
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): CRISPR-Cas9 was originally discovered as an adaptive immune system in bacteria.
Reason (R): Bacteria use CRISPR-Cas9 to remember and cut the DNA of invading viruses (bacteriophages).
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Explanation
CRISPR-Cas9 was not originally an artificial invention but was discovered as a natural adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea. Bacteria use CRISPR sequences to store fragments of DNA from viruses that have previously attacked them. If the same virus invades again, the Cas9 enzyme uses the stored RNA memory to recognize and cut the viral DNA, effectively neutralizing the threat.
Q708. Who among the following were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 method for genome editing?
Explanation
Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for their pioneering work in developing the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing method. They showed that the bacterial defense system could be repurposed into a versatile and programmable tool for editing any DNA sequence in any organism. Their discovery has had an immense impact on life sciences and medicine.
Q709. In the acronym CRISPR, what does the R stand for?
Explanation
CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. The R stands for Repeats, referring to the identical, short sequences of DNA that are repeated at regular intervals within the bacterial genome. These repeats are separated by spacer DNA derived from past viral invaders. This structural organization is the hallmark of this microbial immune system and provides the basis for targeting.
Q710. A major potential application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in human medicine is:
Explanation
The most promising medical application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology is the potential to treat and even cure inherited genetic disorders by directly correcting the underlying mutations. By targeting the defective gene in a patients cells and replacing it with a healthy sequence, CRISPR could offer permanent solutions for conditions like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis, which currently have limited treatment options.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 701 | (a) Chromosome 1 |
| 702 | (b) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism |
| 703 | (b) Bioinformatics |
| 704 | (c) Over 50% of the discovered genes have known, specific functions. |
| 705 | (d) Contribution to understanding the chromosome structure |
| 706 | (c) Targeted and precise gene editing |
| 707 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 708 | (a) Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna |
| 709 | (d) Repeats |
| 710 | (b) Curing genetic diseases by correcting mutations |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.